Hectic Helicopter
Goal
Understand the conversion of elastic energy (potential) to kinetic energy and the concept of balancing
forces (Newton’s 3rd law) to engineer a rubber band power helicopter.
How It Works
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Energy is stored in the rubber band by winding up the propeller.
The rubber band rapidly releases its kinetic energy by unwinding, which turns the propeller blade.
The paper cutout has a large surface area that pushes against the surrounding air and creates drag,
this act like a rear rotor of a real helicopter. Newton’s 3rd law states, “For every action, there is an equal
and opposite reaction. In other words, the paper cutout prevents the craft stick from spinning in the
opposite direction as the propeller, which would decrease or cancel out the force made by the propeller.
As the propeller spins rapidly, it creates lift by pushing air downward and flies in the direction it is
pointing.
Materials
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6" hook nose propellers
Craft sticks
Paperclips
Rubber bands
Construction paper
Masking tape
Scissors
Color Marker
Procedure
Each student will get one of each material shown above.
Part a)
1. Insert the craft stick into the cap on the propeller. (a)
2. Take a paperclip; slightly bend the inner loop and outer loop in the opposite direction. Tape the outer
loop to the craft stick. This should leave the inner loop expose. (b & c)
3. Hook the rubber band to the expose paperclip and stretch it to hook onto the propeller’s ring.
4. Take a look at the launch procedure on the second page to launch the semi-helicopter! (The helicopter
can be launch in a normal room for this part, no need to go outside, yet.)
o Note: The helicopter doesn’t go very high7why?!
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Part b)
5. Cut out any 1.5" by 7" inch design you want with the construction paper (it could be a unicorn or a car,
be creative!). Tape the cut out to the craft stick. (d & e)
o The cut out is critical to keeping the helicopter balance and stable while in flight (default cutout
are available#if you’re lazy -__-).
o Color and design the cutout to your liking with the color
markers!
Take Off Procedures:
1. [Ignore for part a] If possible, go outside or somewhere with a high ceiling (+20ft).
2. Hold the propeller with one hand and the bottom of the craft stick with the other hand.
3. Twist the propeller until the rubber band becomes completely coiled, TWICE– It should look like
tight bundles of knotted rubber band.
4.
To launch, let go of the PROPELLER FIRST. Within half a second,
let go of the CRAFT STICK. For maximum height, slightly push the
bottom of the craft stick as you let it go.
Have fun with your helicopter!!! ☺
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